Event Calendar

Ranger Hour - Star Stories

Deception Pass State Park

Washington State Parks is returning to the Oak Harbor Library for the third year for a fun program series called Ranger Hour!

Join staff from Deception Pass State Park once a month to learn about parks, wildlife, native plants, and more! Play games, be creative, and discover the natural world in our own community. All ages welcome. Adult caretakers must be present for the duration of the entire program. Programs are scheduled for 60 minutes.

Twanoh First Day Hike

Twanoh State Park

The hike will be led by a park ranger and will follow Twanoh Creek before climbing up to a forested ridgetop. It then follows an old service road along the ridge before descending back to finish along the creek.

Sun Lakes-dry Falls First Day Hike

Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park

The day will begin at the Dry Falls Visitor Center for an overview of the geology of Dry Falls & the Ice Age Flood National Geologic Trail, plus a tour of the visitor center. (40 minutes) Then hike a 1.5-mile looping hike through the winter wonderland of desert sagebrush and rolling shrub-steppe south of the Dry Falls Visitor Center. Because the weather and road conditions vary, I will make the determination of the "best trail" to hike and travel on.

Mount Spokane First Day Hike- Smith Gap Snowshoe Hike

Mount Spokane State Park

Participants will snowshoe west along the Lower Kit Carson Loop Road to Smith Gap and the snowshoe hut which was completed in 2014. Along the way, participants will traverse through a beautiful old growth cedar-hemlock forest and pass several stream crossings. Snacks will be provided at the trailhead. Roundtrip, this hike is 2.6 miles.
Snacks will be provided at the trailhead. Maximum group size is 30. Please register through Eventbrite under the event name “First Day Hike – Snowshoe to the Summit”. Daily Sno-Park Permit ($25) or Seasonal Sno-Park Permit ($50) is required and can be purchased at the Mount Spokane State Park office/kiosk or online at https://parks.state.wa.us/130/Winter-recreation.

Deception Pass First Day Hike

Deception Pass State Park

First day hikers are welcome to the Cornet Bay Retreat Center at Deception Pass State Park for a fun morning of hikes. Starting at 9:00 AM, hikers are invited to enjoy warm drinks and snacks. At 9:30 AM hikers will then have the option select their preferred activity based on difficulty level. Hikes range in difficulty from easy to hard. All hikes are on and around Goose Rock and include some of the most popular trails in the park. Hikers can expect to see a variety of wildlife, experience old growth forest, and enjoy amazing views of the Salish Sea and rocky cliffs of Deception Pass.

Fort Worden First Day Hike

Fort Worden Historical State Park

Join us for a First Day Hike at Fort Worden! This program invites participants to start the new year with a refreshing outdoor experience. Meet staff and volunteers at the USO parking lot for park maps, SWAG, and free hot chocolate provided by Fort Worden Hospitality!
Attendees will then embark on a self-guided exploration of scenic trails and historical structures, surrounded by stunning views of the coastline and lush landscapes. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a beginner, this hike is designed to promote wellness and connections to our park's natural and historical resources. Don't miss this opportunity to set positive intentions for the year ahead while enjoying camaraderie with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Bring water, wear comfortable footwear, and prepare for a memorable start to the year!

Bottle Beach First Day Hike

Bottle Beach State Park

Come explore the history of Bottle Beach with Ranger Lisa. In the early 1900s the land was a boom town. The factors that made the town go bust are exactly what make it an important stop over for migrating shorebirds. Learn about the interconnectivity of nature and human history as you ring in the New Year.

Lewis and Clark First Day Hike

Lewis & Clark State Park

Come join Park staff as we explore the beautiful old-growth forest that Lewis and Clark State Park has to offer. Participants will learn about the area's rich history as well as the abundant flora/fauna. This scenic hike takes visitors under towering cedar and fir trees strung with lichen and moss, and through a lush understory teeming with ferns. The hike will begin in the CCC kitchen shelter where a warm fire and drinks/snacks will be provided. Enjoy a short show-and-tell session on the local wildlife as hikers are arriving. This year we're implementing an educational scavenger hunt, adding to the fun along the trail! All ages are welcome.

Larrabee First Day Hike

Larrabee State Park

Rangers will lead a hike along Two Dollar trail, identifying native plants and discussing the importance of leave no trace. The hike will also venture around Fragrance Lake.

Palouse Falls First Day Hike

Palouse Falls State Park Heritage Site

Photography Scavenger Hunt. Take a picture of you, your family, or friends with some of the falls and more!

Harstine First Day Hike

Jarrell Cove State Park

Hike the Harstine State Park Trails with local Park Rangers and dive into the flora and fauna of Harstine Island. We'll be following our curiosities through the forest to learn about the plants we see, the birds we hear, and anything else we stumble upon!

Griffiths-Priday First Day Hike

Griffiths-Priday State Park

Begin the new year on a guided hike through secluded Griffiths-Priday State Park and learn about its unique ecology and history.

Penrose Point First Day Hike

Penrose Point State Park

Join us for a hike through historic Penrose Point State Park.

Lake Chelan First Day Hike

Lake Chelan State Park

Take a stroll through the forest with a ranger! We'll be discussing fun facts about Lake Chelan, the forest and more!

Lake Sylvia First Day Hikes

Lake Sylvia State Park

Hike Options

1.5 Lake Trail – Open to all ages
Meet at the Legacy Pavilion at 1pm. The hike will begin there and will go around the lake, 1.5 miles. The trail can be slippery and muddy, so rain/mud boots are heavily recommended.

Forest Bathing Stroll
Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is a Japanese practice of immersing in nature for health and wellness benefits. The hike will begin at the Legacy Pavilion. The walk is a gentle easy stroll through the park and group camp.

.5 Mile Kids Hike
Our kids hike begins at the legacy pavilion. The group will be led by staff over the bridge and up through group camp and back toward the dam and back to the legacy pavilion. Along the way plant species and little critters will be discussed.

Tolmie First Day Hike

Tolmie State Park

Join Park Staff as we take a hike along the Four Cedars Loop trail and learn about some of the unique features of Tolmie State Park.

Beacon Rock First Day Hike- Afternoon Hike

Beacon Rock State Park

Beacon Rock trail is a 1.8 mile hike up and down the side of an inactive volcano. The trail has a gradual slope with 52 switchbacks and guardrails making it an attainable hike for most individuals. This hike features spectacular views of the Columbia River Gorge and ample opportunity to view wildlife from a unique perspective.

Family in Nature - Deception Pass

Deception Pass State Park

Family in Nature is a fun and highly interactive, nature-based program designed for children ages 2 to 5 years old. Each session lasts approximately 90 minutes and focuses on various aspects of nature found in the park. The programs include story time, creative play, and parent-led activities and crafts. Our goal is to create a warm and welcoming space where you and your little ones can enjoy the wonders of Deception Pass together.

Family in Nature - Deception Pass

Deception Pass State Park

Family in Nature is a fun and highly interactive, nature-based program designed for children ages 2 to 5 years old. Each session lasts approximately 90 minutes and focuses on various aspects of nature found in the park. The programs include story time, creative play, and parent-led activities and crafts. Our goal is to create a warm and welcoming space where you and your little ones can enjoy the wonders of Deception Pass together.

Family in Nature - Deception Pass

Deception Pass State Park

Family in Nature is a fun and highly interactive, nature-based program designed for children ages 2 to 5 years old. Each session lasts approximately 90 minutes and focuses on various aspects of nature found in the park. The programs include story time, creative play, and parent-led activities and crafts. Our goal is to create a warm and welcoming space where you and your little ones can enjoy the wonders of Deception Pass together.